Join Tommy Thompson, local historian and Associate Member of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe, and Ed Lewandowski, Coastal Communities Development Director for Delaware Sea Grant, on a paddle through the history of Broad Creek as it has been passed down from the First Peoples, the Nanticokes.

Laurel, DE was founded in 1683 and plotted in 1802 after the sale of the Nanticoke Indian reservation on the current site. On this paddling experience, you will learn about the early Nanticoke lifestyle, the encounter with Captain John Smith, the Nanticokes of today, and current plans in Laurel to honor the First People.

About Broad Creek Excursions

Broad Creek Excursions are guided tours along Broad Creek in historic Laurel, DE during this summer and fall. Broad Creek flows into the Nanticoke River, one of the most wild and scenic rivers on Delmarva. The waterways are teeming with birds and other wildlife, and they have a rich history dating back to the First People of the Chesapeake region, the Nanticokes. On the guided tours, you’ll also learn about Captain John Smith, Harriet Tubman, Patty Cannon and the shipbuilding industry of nearby Bethel, DE, that produced world-famous sailing rams.

Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) awarded Laurel a Community Economic Resilience Grant in 2020, funding a proposal to support and develop the paddling tourism the town has to offer. DESG has invested in Laurel in many ways over the years, including supporting development of the Ramble redevelopment plan for its Broad Creek waterfront. That plan led to installation of a kayak launch on the waterfront and an outfitter, Quest Adventures, opening a location nearby last year. With the Community Economic Resilience Grant and the support of Ed Lewandowski, DESG’s community development specialist, Laurel is now offering a series of guided paddling excursions to introduce recreational paddlers to the opportunities on the Broad Creek along with history, nature or culture talks.